Palace

Palace Overview

Palace Skateboards, commonly known as Palace, is a British skateboarding and clothing brand founded in 2009 by Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis. Known for its distinctive lo-fi aesthetic and strong roots in skate culture, Palace has grown to become a major player in the streetwear and skateboarding industries.

Founded: 2009

Founders: Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Industries: Skateboarding, Streetwear

Strategic Priorities

• Authentic Skate Culture: Palace emphasizes authenticity in its skate culture, with designs and products that resonate deeply with skaters. The brand’s identity is rooted in the raw, DIY ethos of skateboarding.
• Distinctive Aesthetic: The brand’s VHS-style videos and graphics draw heavily from 1990s pop culture, offering a nostalgic yet fresh visual identity that sets it apart from other skate brands.

Recent Innovations and Collaborations

Palace is known for its creative collaborations and innovative product offerings:

• Collaborations: The brand has partnered with a variety of notable companies and designers, including Adidas, Reebok, Ralph Lauren, and Moschino. These collaborations often blend high fashion with streetwear, creating unique and highly sought-after collections.
• High-Profile Projects: Palace has worked with sports brands to produce sport-specific collections, such as tennis and golf apparel with Adidas, and even a football kit for Juventus FC.

Sustainability Efforts

While Palace is more focused on its cultural and aesthetic contributions to skateboarding and fashion, the brand’s approach includes:

• Ethical Production: Palace collaborates with manufacturers that adhere to ethical labor practices, though specific sustainability initiatives are less publicly detailed compared to some other brands.

Community and Employee Engagement

Palace maintains strong connections within the skateboarding community and supports its employees:

• Grassroots Connections: The brand maintains close ties with key skate shops like Slam City Skates and has built a network that supports the local and international skate scenes.
• Employee Support: Palace’s founders, being former skaters themselves, foster a work environment that resonates with the skateboarding culture, emphasizing creativity and collaboration.

Pros and Cons of Palace

Final Thoughts

Palace Skateboards stands out in the skateboarding and streetwear industries for its authentic connection to skate culture and its distinctive aesthetic. The brand’s successful collaborations and innovative designs ensure its continued relevance and appeal. While higher price points and niche market focus may limit accessibility, Palace’s commitment to authenticity and community keeps it at the forefront of contemporary skate and streetwear culture.